The latest fitness trends from workouts to wearables

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It is adidas tracksuit day today, 6th November. Yay! Yes, I just did say that and did a little happy jump in my adidas stripes. International tracksuit day – what a joy for all who love to spend their days dressing up or dressing cool their active wear.

The german sportswear brand famous for its 3 stripes, that now have iconic status, has long been loved by sports men and women, celebrities, artists and made history in many movies. Did oyu know for example that the first ever piece of apparel the German giant produced was the Franz Beckenbauer’s tracksuit.

Adidas has some real celebrity following and has collaborated with many performers and artists over the years usually promoting healthy sport and lifestyle values.

Here is a pick of celebrity loving the adidas look

RUN DMC in Adidas originals – that the ice of all that is cool

David Beckham

Pharrell Williams

Cee-Lo Green

Rita Ora

Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani

Madonna

Missy Elliott

Beyonce

Sue Silvester

fat Amy

Royal Tenenbaums

Jamie Fox – only the coolest guy on the planet

Snoop Dog

Now that you are inspired you can go pick your own look on the adidas website and show off your stripes in style!

The classic way to exercise is:
Step 1: Choose a fitness method
Step 2: Choose a gym and become a member. It’s expensive you say? But surely you will be there at least 3 times a week and it will be worth it in the end!
Step 3: Persevere. Results will come…of course they will

Gyms have been banking on this for a long time, often forgetting what their customers want hence a lot of gym goers feel locked in their monthly subscription and often achieve very little with their workout. I have tried this, many times, with different gym chain and failed miserably. I have watched many of my friends try this and fail as well. There is a long list of reasons why such approach to fitness does not work which I will not bother even typing.

Many of us live quite a busy life filled with commuting, bad days in the office that affect our mood, good days in the office that also affect our mood, even sometimes feeling bored or stuck in a workout routine that is no fun at all and brings no result. Fitting in workout time is perhaps the biggest challenge we face.

Well there are new kids on the block who are changing the name of the fitness game and disrupting the status quo. The great thing is that this approach is born out of pure necessity from both customers and fitness studios and shows a real understanding of how fitness and wellbeing fits in our daily life.

So if you want one monthly subscription that gives you access to one of the best places to exercise in your town, offers a diverse and exciting range of class options then you must try ClassPass or SoMuchMore. Your fitness life will never be the same and you will certainly never be bored!

ClassPassstarted out as Classtivity back in 2012 out of TechStars. After graduating MIT and joining the financial industry, co-founder Payal Kadakia found that making time for her main passion (dance) was close to impossible. And this is how ClassPass eventually become to be. (source: TechCrunch)

‘It’s designed to help you explore tons of amazing studios and classes, challenge yourself with different ways to work out, and get you into the kind of fitness you feel passionate about.’

It works by giving members unlimited access to any of the studios or classes on the ClassPass platform for £89 per month. You’ll be able to pick classes from cycling, yoga, Pilates, barre to strength training, bootcamp, dance, and so much more. You are not trapped in a contract, you can cancel anytime.

What’s the catch?
There isn’t really a catch it is more of a caveat – you can take as many classes per month as you’d like, in any studio you like but you can only take up to 3 classes a month at the same studio. But given the choice of great studios this will be the least of your worries.

ClassPass on the Go?
Sure, they also have a handy app so should the workout mood strike you, booking is just a few taps away.

Spoilt for choice?
Yes, you are! There are over 200 studios to choose from across London with few big names there as well such as TenPilates, BoomCycle, Frame, TriYoga, RunClub London to name just a few.

SoMuchMore works in a pretty similar way. It is positions itself as a ‘wellbeing community’. ‘Your gateway to a fulfilled, mindful and active life.

‘With Somuchmore you can experience hundreds of health and fitness classes all over your city. From Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, Martial Arts, Dance, Nutrition, Health and Personal Growth classes and workshops, you will be amazed what is offer around you’

One card unlimited classes You pay £89 per month and you can cancel or freeze your card anytime and use unlimited classes given you do not book more than 3 classes per month at the same studio. You can choose from Yoga, Pilates,Meditation,CrossFit, TRX, Barre Core and even dance classes such as Tango, Hip-Hop, Salsa. SoMuchMore also offers Nutrition and Biomedicine classes as well as access toSauna and Spa.

SoMuchMore Studios
There is a great list of studios on the SoMuchMore platform including plenty of martial arts, specialised yoga and even belly-dancing studio. Check out the full list here

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I am usually really excited when I know I have a workout booked be that a pilates class, a PT, Hiit or Yoga. These are the days that I wake up buzzing and ready to go, excited I will be exercising. But there are also times when I don’t feel like working out at all. Still I usually push myself to go because I believe this to be lack of motivation and loosing my focus. The truth is most of the days I feel like this I am actually making a wrong assumption. I confuse tiredness and fatigue for lack of motivation. It made me think about how I approach my exercise routine and what I include in it. Pushing myself so hard is perhaps not the best approach. Planning a balanced workout routine that gives me time to rest and enjoy the benefits of the hard work on the mat or on the reformer or on the running machine #HateRunning is actually key to reaping the health benefits of physical exercise. With more and more people opting to workout in short but with high intensity bursts such as Hiit, 7Min workout etc. recovery becomes even more important. So much so that Recovery programs and Self Care workouts are creating a new wave of fitness trends. But before you reach out to type recovery programme in Google it is important to understand the risks of training when tired and learning to make a clear difference between being tired and being demotivated.

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“Our excitement to work with Chitose was really born from her unique understanding of form and silhouette,”

Fashion – Sports collaboration are quickly becoming the norm. The success of such collaborations though is often hard to predict. For a collaboration to work it has to make sense for both brands, it has to be cohesive and represent values that both brands share which can then be related and embraced by their audience and followers. Stella McCartney’s line for Adidas, for example, not only proved that fashion brands can have success in sport but also can further expand and go from strength to strength.

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“I don’t want to disrespect designers by calling myself a designer. I just think I have a vision of something that I want to do.” – Kanye West on his Adidas Originals collab

Love him or hate him Kanye West has a knack for making the headlights. When I first heard of his collab with Adidas Originals I was totally conflicted but equally really curious to see what he produced and how he approached this challenge. After all Adidas Originals is one of the biggest sports brands in the world that has successfully collaborated with great names in music, sports and fashion. Here is a great interview by Style.com Editor -in-Chief Dirk Standen see if it sheds a different light on Kanye’s controvercial image.

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I love Pancake Day, it always makes me feel like a child again and brings a smile on my face. The smell of freshly baked pancakes in the morning is possibly one of my favourite reasons to come out of bed on a cold February week day. Of course there is the little matter of American pancakes v Crêpes. I have always preferred Crêpes but sometimes nothing can beat a super fluffy American pancake with maple syrup and smoked, crispy streaky bacon. If you are still undecided on which recipe to try on Pancake day, why not opt for something unusual, something you have not tried before. Here are few of my favourites to inspire you:

I love to try different pancake toppings. It rarely changes my favourite personal choice but just one look at these and you know it is a balanced breakfast…just add black coffee! You can find the full recipe here

3. Herb Crêpes with Eggs, Swiss, Ham and Browned Butter

If you can’t decide between pancakes and eggs for breakfast your time is better spent having both with this breakfast twist recipe for savory crêpes. Now, that’s a problem solved! You can find the full recipe here

I know what you are thinking, you are thinking OMG! Well, these are not only super yummy but also only 300 calories! You can thank me later. You can find the full recipe here and try those guilt free crepes for yourself. Be nice, try to share …

There is an unwritten rule that chocolate can be added to anything at any time and it always makes it better! OK, maybe this is not really a rule, maybe I just made it up but one thing is for sure – it works with crêpes! Simply divine. You can find the full recipe here

In my quest for healthy living with healthy food I always try to find a good recipe for either a vegan or gluten free option of some of my fave deserts. This one will not disappoint. Get the full recipe here

This is a good alternative to the classic lemon and sugar crêpes . The lemon zest and the texture of the poppy seeds makes these a fluffy and fresh, perfect for the morning. You can find the full recipe here

Given you have the patience to make few dozen of these tiny little perfect pancakes you will certainly be a winner with these super fun pancake kebabs. Now that’s something you don’t hear every day, do you? Get the full recipe here, the patience is yours only

Now, I admit, I have not done this and I am not planning to try this recipe anytime soon. But that’s not to say you should not give it a go. I just like how colourful it looks on my blog. If you do it, let me know if it turned out good. Full recipe here

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From fitness trackers and home workouts streaming to fitness games there is no denying that the Health and Fitness industry is shifting gear into digital. With number of fitness apps growing exponentially it is clear that there is no going back any time soon. Weather this trend is driven by users or by brands is another question to ponder upon but one thing is for sure Fitness has gone digital! If you are into Hiit, Yoga, Boxing, Running whatever your choice of workout online is the new destination to find it. Though the recent report from ACSM clearly shows that we still do enjoy a good, sweaty workout it is where and how we do it that seems to be changing. The combination of consumers who want more for less instantly and the availability of technology that can support that is what I think would see this trend boom in 1015. So what does this shift to digital look like?

1. Fitness Tracking

About 3.3 million fitness bands and activity trackers were sold between April 2013 and March 2014 in the U.S. according to the NPD Group. Add to this other wearables such as smart watches and in addition using our phones too to track fitness, the trends is showing no signs of slowing down. But, numbers are already coming in from last year showing one third fitness bands abandon rate. There are even recent studies that show fitness bands can incorrectly estimate number of steps by up to 22.7% while phones only get it wrong by, at most, 6.7% Still regardless of the numerous articles on how inefficient they are Fitness Tracking is a trend that will continue to be strong during 2015.

From Jawbone and Misfit to Fitbit and Withings Activité, there is a bracelet for every pocket, type of activity and personality. These little helpers can count steps, track sleep patterns, monitor heart rate, sync with apps that help us eat better, burn calories, track progress, set goals, stay motivated etc. And even if you don’t actively reach out and buy one, your gym might. Virgin Active for example offers its members smart wristbands so they can keep track of their workout history.

HiiT is a top fitness trend for 2015 and apps such as the 7Min workout are growing their fan base rapidly. It seems we want to work out less but with higher intensity, get results faster and within the comfort of our own surrounding if possible. Sounds crazy? Well, try for yourself and see if it works for you. Here are few ideas for those who want a personal trainer but don’t feel like going too far to find it.

Turn On The Game Factor with Fitocracy

Remember the Wii Fit board that promised you a perfect yoga posture ( I even remember the advert)? How about all the different sports games you could play with your friends and family? If you are very much into setting up goals, collecting points and compete for the top spot then this new trend is right up your street. Bringing the game factor into digital fitness Fitocracy’s mission is to make fitness a more fun, more addictive experience.

What can you expect from Fitocracy:
– Workouts made by experts
– Points and levels – workout to earn points and level up to make progress
– Join groups to connect to people with similar goals so you can motivate each other
– Quests – try a quest and earn a bonus points

In addition to that you can also set reps, workout duration times and then when you are done you can also rate workouts. If you need the extra support you can search for a personal trainer who can give you that extra push you need or be there for advice.

I hate running, I really do, not because I find it a difficult exercise but because I find it extremely boring exercise especially if it is on a running machine. BitGym provides a great solution to people like me – it turns the running machine into an interactive trail of your choice. Depending on your mood you could be running through mountains or cities, deserts or exotic places, your choice. Each tour can be streamed instantly or downloaded locally for use at the gym weather you want to trek, walk or bike you can choose from a large library of speed-interactive exercise tours. BitGym works on any bike, elliptical or treadmill. All your need is a phone or tablet as it tracks your exercise speed by using the front-facing camera on your device.

FitStar has a similar approach to personalised workouts as Fitocracy with the added option of Yoga workouts. Once you download the app you will be also able to:
– Start with a fitness test
– Connect with UP by Jawbone to track your progress
– Connect with MyFitnessPal

3. Online Training

With a lot of us working more and commuting for longer it often feels there is no time to exercise. Naturally we turn to the internet to find help and advice. Online training is really popular not only because of its flexibility but also because it is a cheaper option compared to a gym membership or PT sessions. There are a number of options out there but here are two easy choices to get you going.

Helpouts, launched by Google in late 2013 Google, aims to give real help from real people in real time across wide range of topics fitness and nutrition being one of them. You can choose who to get help from based on qualifications, availability, ratings and reviews. In addition to that you can also schedule a live Helpouts for a more convenient time.

You can not also look for help but also give help but uploading your own Helpouts giving small business a great platform to promote their work and expand their customer reach.

At home workouts designed for your life. On-demand yoga, cooking, and fitness video classes from top experts. Similar to Google’s Helpouts Grokker provides on demand how-to videos, designed for ‘busy people on the go’. After you select and do your workout, you can also prepare a quick nutritious smoothie to re-fuel.

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Well not really but I have to say that Reebok Classic’s iconic InstaPump Fury has never looked just so cool. It is the collaboration child of #ReebokClassicxSandro producing an an inaugural capsule collection for SS15, that

‘centers on Reebok Classic’s iconic InstaPump Fury, fusing the distinct but complementary design attitudes of the brands to create two limited edition styles for both men and women.’

The launch took place today at Sandro’s Marylebone store with a private party. When I saw the trainers I thought they looked just as cool as the picture. I have to say they come in small because they are slip-ons so even though the website says to buy a size smaller I had to go for a size up.

I am such a big fan of trainers but to see an old classic such as the InstaPump come back is truly exciting. The iconic trainer comes in two classic colours white with blue soles and black with flashes or colour. A pair will set you back £199 and it is available to purchase online and from selected stores from 13th February.

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Every year, for the past 9 years, The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has announced its annual fitness trend forecast based on survey responses from thousands of fitness professionals. Here is how they see 2015 when it comes to the most popular workouts:

Body weight training makes its debut in the spotlight at the very top, taking over from last year’s newbie HIIT. Its popularity comes mostly from the fact that it is perhaps one of the cheapest exercise options around and it is extremely versatile and effective. No equipment is needed just tenacity and commitment. Burpees, push ups, squats, bear crawls all of these will be your best friends if you opt in for the top trend in workouts.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) slips down to second spot after ruling 2014. As its name implies, it is based on alternating short bursts of exercise followed by a short period of rest or recovery. Even though an average HIIT session usually last less than 30min it is extremely intense. One of the most common drawbacks when it comes to HIIT is the potential high injury rate and that’s why usually HIIT is part of a wider fitness programme.

Educated and Experienced Fitness Professionals.
The number 3 spot is taken by the rise of Fitness Professionals specifically professionals certified through accrediting programs for health and fitness and clinical exercise program professionals. It seems that the demand for fitness professionals is not going to stop any time soon.

When you think about going to the GYM strength training is perhaps what you have in mind when you envision all the exercise machines that you probably don’t know how to work (just yet). It is the core business of most fitness clubs and it is here to stay.

Personal Training is direct result frommore and more students choosing health and fitness as a career path. Personal training is becoming more affordable and more popular as it provides a tailored approach to fitness and is suitable for anybody from beginners to advanced fitness fanatics.

For most of us, if not all, exercise and weight loss go hand in hand. But actually recently nutrition has become increasingly important and is a key component of any weight loss program. Health and fitness professionals are now incorporating regular exercise and caloric restriction for better weight control in their clients.

I am so pleased Yoga has made the top 10. Yoga is a combination of religion, philosophy, and practices but it is no surpise that the most popular yoga focuses mostly on the physical practices. These days there are so many varieties of Yoga from the classic Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa to Power Yoga, Yogalates and Voga so you have no excuse for not trying a class.

The rest of the Top 10 work out Trends for 2015 are:

8. Fitness Programs for Older Adults. As the baby boom generation ages into retirement, some of these people have more discretionary money than their younger counterparts. Therefore, many health and fitness professionals are taking the time to create age-appropriate fitness programs to keep older adults healthy and active.

9. Functional Fitness. This is a trend toward using strength training to improve balance and ease of daily living.

10. Group Personal Training. In challenging economic times, many personal trainers are offering more group training options which allows people to share the cost of personal training session while enjoying the benefits of working out in a small group.

This of course is not the full picture. While all the above trends are certainly here to stay, 2015 is seeing the result from the rise of digital fitness and few trends around ‘Recovery’ and ‘Self Care’ workouts. In addition to that there are so many other wacky workout options to choose from that these days no one has any excuse for not moving their body to the Fitness tune.

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When I think about breakfast I always think about time. I have to say that morning is one my favourite time of the day with the smell of coffee taking over the house, sitting on the couch, taking each coffee sip with great delight while waiting for my body to wake up. But that’s usually what I think I have time for, even though I have plenty of time to do more. But this is not what I tell myself. Sometimes I am really good and make my own porridge to take to work and have it at my desk, I even try different toppings to make it more fun but soon I get really bored of porridge. Then I switch to cereal for a while and go for rice or hazelnut milk but still after few days I get bored and drop the whole breakfast thing. Comes 10am, classic snack time I am usually trying to do ‘something super important’ to keep me busy and away from the numerous packets of biscuits being opened and shared in the office. #NaughtyPeople

So imagine my joy when I discovered that this week is #BreakfastWeek! Did you know that there is such thing as #BreakfastWeek? See, all these hours I spend on Twitter not totally wasted, always something to find. Shake Up Your Wake Up really perked my interest mostly because in these cold winter days when my body genuinely struggles with food cravings breakfast has to be even more important. While during hot summer days I might be OK with fresh juice and black coffee the cold makes my body and brain crave waffles and pancakes and bacon and whatnot so breakfast week made me actually re-focus on what makes a good breakfast and remind me why we do need it. You can read up more on the why here, but this is a great summary:

Breakfast provides the body and brain with fuel after an overnight fast – that’s where its name originates, breaking the fast! Without breakfast you are effectively running on empty, like trying to start the car with no petrol!

That’s all well said but still without a doubt the biggest pain when it comes to breakfast is wake up time. It is not enough it is so tough already to wake up in darkness but to have to wake up an hour earlier to prepare breakfast is not really an incentive is it now? So during #BreakfastWeek I decided to try a new breakfast solution every day, test it and share my findings. Before I took on the challenge I made this list of considerations

I like to think of myself as a busy person that’s why I want breakfast that is quick to prepare (no more than 10-15 min), I can prepare either at home and carry to work or prepare at work.

Time of day – when is actually the best time to have breakfast?

‘Fast food breakfast’ – if I oversleep and don’t have time to prep breakfast or I had a late night and I want a ‘treat’ which are the best places to go to?

Apparently nutritionists advise that breakfast should be eaten within two hours of waking and a healthy breakfast should provide calories in the range of 20-35% of your guideline daily allowance (GDA). Good, so I have the answer to that question which means that #NoteToMyself 11am blueberry muffin is NOT breakfast neither is a ham and cheese croissant regardless if it is a very small one!

Moving on, since I am such a ‘busy person’ that gets easily bored eating the same food time and time again I need a number of good, healthy, nutritious breakfast options I can add to my breakfast routine. Notice in my original point I only jotted down that my priority is to be quick not healthy which made me smile at my own ill arranged priorities but I bet so many people out there focus on the same and don’t always consider the nutritious and health benefits of what they have for breakfast. So, my approach to collating a list of breakfast recipes started as anything – Twitter #BreakfastWeek

Here are my Top 5 Workweek Choices

Marbled Fruit Porridge

This porridge recipe is very similar to what I usually prepare for myself when I feel like something warm and sweet in the morning.

What I liked
Love the fact that porridge is perhaps the most versatile breakfast as the toppings can vary so much. I also substitute dairy milk for rice milk, almond milk and my new favourite hazelnut milk. It is warm, it is filling and so comforting on a cold morning.

What I did not like
Because I don’t have breakfast at home Monday to Friday, my biggest problem with porridge is that it has should be consumed warm and therefore I have to make sure that I use the right container that will keep it warm by the time I get to the office. It also gets a bit thicker during time it takes to get there and sometimes I make it runnier to compensate for that.

Preparation time 10 min

Serves 1

Ingredients

50g porridge oats

350ml semi skimmed milk which I substitute with Rice Milk or Hazelnut milk to avoid dairy

1 tbsp fruit compote or puree

fresh seasonal fruit to serve (e.g. raspberries)

The beauty of this recipe is that it is super quick to make, you can easily substitute fruits and fruit compote varieties and it is all made from scratch!

This is a yummy dairy free smoothie recipe from the Waitrose folk. Some mornings I really don’t feel like food and so I usually drown myself in fresh orange juice or mix orange and red grapefruit which is actually not that healthy for me or my teeth and keeps my stomach quite empty. So I really wanted something with more substance. I have also been thinking about getting a NutriBullet so this recipe was a good one to try.

What I liked
Superfast to make in the morning, add, blitz, Go! It is also quite filling, refreshing and delicious!

What I did not like
Soaking the cashew nuts bit. It is not a big deal but yet another thing to remember to do. can’t please us all I know …

This recipe is from the @OliveMagazine and I wanted to try it because it sounded like an interesting twist on a porridge. I find quinoa quite light but yet filling and have never considered as breakfast or even as something I can add fruit and sweetness to.

What I liked:
Good alternative to porridge oats and can also be served and consumed cold. I don’t have to worry what container to use to carry it to work and keep it warm as I would with an oats based porridge.

What I did not like:
The only problem I had with it that it does not have the same thick, creamy texture as the oats porridge does hence did not feel that warm.

This is one of my preferred options for on the go toast breakfast. This particular recipe is from Aida Mollenkamp but you can actually customise it and make it your own.

What I like
I like that I can use the same recipe on a bagel or even non toasted bread. Easy to put in a box and take to work. I sometimes mash some tomatoes in my avocado to make it a bit more refreshing and change the texture ( I have a big problem with food textures) but it is all about how you like your avocado.

What I don’t like
That I have to boil my eggs a bit harder. I am a total sucker for gooey soft-boiled eggs.

What I like
It is a great option for when I don’t feel like hot breakfast and also if I feel more like a snack. It is versatile and refreshing. I actually replace the milk with yogurt and like it more.

What I don’t like
That is has dairy. I have tried to make it with various milks but my personal preference is still yogurt.

On Saturdays I would usually do something more like a ‘treat’ that also has bacon or ham in it. Toast toppers are my fave thing to do as it is easy and quick. You can literally do toast topper out of anything you have left over in the fridge or a mix of ingredients you like, so long as there is some sort of cheese to unite them all!

I would also sometimes make french toast or breakfast muffins (if I feel like it…)

Sunday – go out for brunch! Yay!

Nothing better on a lazy Sunday than popping out for brunch. This is when I love to have great Eggs Royall or a crispy waffle with compote and ice cream. Yum!

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Now and again a new product comes along that changes the way the old one is perceived. MyRun by TECHNOGYM® is just one of these products. Designed to offer you the ultimate running experience, personalised training programmes and running technique feedback, you might say it is just another running machine but you have to admit it is a really good looking one.

There are few features that draw attention:

You can use it with (or without) your tablet and collect data about your running style to provide a more personal training programme as well as instant running technique feedback

What is good for you is also good for the planet – MyRun TECHNOGYM® has a proximity sensor which means it only turns on as you approach and returns to standby mode automatically when not in use.

You can run to the beat with the Running Music that chooses the songs best suited to the rhythm of your run.

It is also compatible with all the Bluetooth Smart chest belts. It picks up your heart’s signals and transfers that data into the MyRun TECHNOGYM® treadmill.

But most of all it looks sleek, cool and kind of makes you want to try it out. That’s a good step forward a running routine.

Stampd, the west coast ‘avantstreet’ lifestyle brand, teams up with Puma for R698 upgrade. The new high-end shoe features suede and leather upper with perforated panels at the sides and toe box. A cracked earth pattern can be seen at the heel and within the Trinomic outsole.

Pony New York meets Donna Karan New York to create a new M-100 high tops. The original M-100 was first released in 1988 so it seems only right that two iconic New York brands should team up on the upgrade. Even though it still feels a little bit bulky what with it being a basketball shoe, it is a thing of beauty. Pony x DKNY is made of calf leather with mesh details and leather laces.

The British designers joins the activewear trend and brings out RIKO high tops that surprised us all! You jumping for joy yet? Wether it is the black suede high top with white zig zag and woven detail or the black patent high top with ice blue and pink glitter panels, neon red zig-zag and black woven detailing – cool look is guaranteed.

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You know how you are always nervous when your fave show is about to go into Season 2 because Season 1 was so awesome that you think, how can it be even more awesome! That’s how I felt waiting for the next round of Mary Katrantzou x adidas Originals collab.

But my fear was totally unfounded. I am in love of first sight with Mary Katrantzou x adidas Originals Season 2. Inspired by 80’s sportswear and Olympic memorabilia I think it is actually much better than the first line released for the iconic German sportswear brand. I feel it is more true to the adidas originals spirit while it really captures the beauty, essence and tech innovation of Mary Katrantzou’s prints. Sweating has never been so stylish!

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A new fitness collaboration has just hit the streets – Whistles has teamed up with London-based fitness studio Frame, to create a capsule active wear collection for the modern, active woman.

‘Offering a seamless transition from street to studio, the collection unites Whistles’ pared-back form with unique expertise in athletic function, offered by Frame founders Pip Black and Joan Murphy.’

The capsule collection has very much as ‘street to studio’ focus with ‘clean lines, considered colourways and stretchy, dry fast fabrications’. Unlike other active wear, the line feels much more relaxed, comfortable, liberating and casual.

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Staying hydrated throughout the day is essential for our overall health and happiness and yet I find this one of the hardest things to do. We mostly reach out for water only when we feel thirsty and even then juice, coffee, tea often replace what our body actually needs – pure water.

Understanding why water is just so good for us helps with motivation and creating water drinking habit. It has been proven to be great for the skin, helps body regulation and brain function improve blood flow and oxygen flow to your brain, helps with weight loss and even mood. The list goes on and on. So, what is one to do in order to make drinking water part of a daily routine?

Get a cool water bottle of course! This always motivates me. When it comes to a water bottle I want it to be:

Light

Wide enough mouth so that I can add ice cubes

Washable

Environmentally friendly and friendly to me (BPA free)

Have great insulating properties

Durable

Leak free

…and last but not least well designed and super cool.

6 water bottles that will make you want to drink more water

I love these beautiful, fresh and soft to the touch bottles. Like me BKR believes that the objects in your life should be beautiful, effortless and loved. They definitely feel more like a fashion accessory rather than necessity. But that’s OK! That’s why I love them! Most of the times water bottles look just so boring.

What I also love is that bkr releases seasonal collections that are based on runway trends in New York, London, Paris and Milan and as such they are generally all limited edition. Yay!

Glass bottles can be heavy and not very durable. If you are after something that is not glass or plastic but still looks great then S’well are perfect for you. Their prints are fun, the bottles are super handy, functional and easy to clean.

They are also a socially responsible brand as they have teamed up with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help provide clean drinking water to children around the world.

The Facts:

Composed of non-leaching and non-toxic 18/8 stainless steel

Keep your drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12

Giving back to those in need is important, help reduce plastic bottle waste

Swiss design does not come any cooler than this. Crafted from a single piece of high-grade aluminium the SIGG water bottles are light and robust. They now come in amazing prints and a rainbow of colours.

If you are like me and like to drop few pieces of fruit in your water to give it some tast and also like me thought why has no one created a bottle that is suitable for that, well here it is.

Asobu has added few new additions to their already impressive product design resume.

Pure Flavour 2 Go and Flavour It 2 Go do just this – add fun and taste to your water. The bottles are made with virtually unbreakable tritan material and they all have built in fruit infuser. The toughest choice you will have to make is which fruit to add!

The Facts:

BPA free

Dishwasher safe

Easy to clean.

There is also a citrus boost option which I find super handy. Add a splash of lemon or lime to your water and it will cleanse your system, keep your breath fresh while staying hydrated. ‘The citrus 2 go will offer you a quick taste of citrus fruit and chill your water at the same time. The freezer unit incorporated into the bottle section ensures your water stays cold longer.‘

Another option for flavoured water. You can choose from Twist Top for every day or Flip Top for sport. These bottles are sturdy, well designed and really practical for those who love their water with a splash of fruit or few mint leaves on the go.

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When it comes to fashion trainers I have been a massive Golden Goose Delux Brand fan for years. I love the look, the style, the fit and the comfort they provide for my often hectic days of running around. That said, it is always great to find something equally as cool to a footwear collections. It is Spring after all, is that not good enough excuse to freshen up.

My Pick of 5 Coolest Brands for Fashion Trainers

Filling Pieces is an Amsterdam-based footwear label, established in 2009 by designer Guillaume Philibert. The aim is to have great design and comfort at affordable prices. All of their footwear ‘is handmade with great care in Portugal, using only the finest Italian materials.‘

This has to be my fave new trainers brand not just because of the great design and variety of colours and prints but also because of how comfortable they are. You can browse and shop Filling Pieces Spring/Summer 2015 here

Filling Pieces SS 2015 Lookbook

My Filling Pieces faves are these white low tops just perfect for a fresh look in time for summer. You can shop theAdolescence pack here

This footwear and accessories brand was founded in 2011. The name is a reference to masonic ideology, meaning ‘being in a circle rich with productive individuals, who may not be in the same field, but all strive to achieve success.’

‘We wanted to take “High-price” out of luxury products and go back to making remarkable and stylish design products by using elegant fabrics that are chic and affordable. Each shoe or accessory we make are “dead stock”, which means that all of our products are released in limited quantity.’

These shoes are so well made and come in low and high tops. Whichever pair you chose to own, it will guarantee you getting noticed.

This young french brand launched in 2010 and according to their website it ‘…is part of a new generation of creative and independent Paris-based brands.’ The founders, François Chastang and Arnaud de Louvencourt are focusing very much simplicity and quality of their designs as well as high-quality materials. The shoes thought designed in France are made in a factory in Portugal ‘famed for its savoir-faire.’

Born as Thorocraft in 2009 and rebranded as T C G® in 2015 this California based brand is already well known for crafting goods of unparalleled quality.

‘We pride our selves on our attention to detail and commitment to quality, of which can only be accomplished by our old word method of handcrafting shoes.’

If you are after a durable casual shoe that is versatile and comfortable then you should consider T C G® Their footwear is produced in limited numbers and apparently, according to their website ‘they look better with age.’

If you have not seen, heard of, own or want to own a pair of Gourmet trainers then you must be living under a rock! This Italian brand is the trainers darling of the moment. And this is no surprise if you knew that its co-founder Greg Lucci was contracted and consulted on an international project for Adidas, and helped launch adidas Originals. #EnoughSaid

Their most popular design is the 35 Lite but hey, let that not stop you amassing your own collection of Gourmet trainers. You can do that by visiting theironline store here

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It is officially the unofficial Star Wars Day! And those of you who have already managed to re-watch all the films (yet again), hosted your own Star Wars Party, got your stormtrooper costume and cosplayed with your friends (with or without the help of alcohol) and you are stuck for ideas then why not show your sporty side and commemorate the day for …well not forever but for a long time with a pair if customised adidas ZFLUX trainers.

There is nothing better than a unique, one of a kind pair of trainers! Not just any trainers but Star Wars themed trainers! Such beauties can be yours by using the new #miZFLUX App by adidas Originals. Choose your image, and the trainers can be yours for £85

I love the app, it is fun, it is cool and easy to use. The result is – you will walk in your very own, very personalised and one of a kind pair of ZFLUX trainers.

How It Works

It only takes few easy steps to create your own, you can even browse the ‘Inspiration’ gallery to get you started. When you are ready:

Start bychoosing your shoe size. What I like about the shoe size screen is that it presents users with a list of sizes to choose from, you will never have to guess or convert size.

ZFLUX App

Inspiration Gallery

Inspiration Gallery

Create Your Own

Select Size

Select Size

Next get ready to have fun! Take a picture or use one you already have on your phone. I chose a colourful picture of tulips, since flower patterns are super In right now. You are able to adjust and rotate the picture while positioning the pattern on the shoe template. And once you save it you will also be able to view your new beauties in 360 degrees.

Take a photo

or use your own photo

My Photos

My Trainers

Ready to order

or save for later

Flowers not your thing! Totally Get it. But how about Star Wars? To celebrate Star Wars Day, adidas has released a Star Wars Inspired library to help you create the coolest trainers in all of Star Wars Footwear history!

To get to the Star Wars gallery, repeat the steps above for creating a customised shoe but instead of photos go to Patterns and select Star Wars. Once in gallery, the choice is yours. It is NOT an easy one, I admit but keep trying and eventually you will find your own pair or two…or more

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As if adidas was not cool enough what with some pretty amazing collabs hitting stores this spring (Rita Ora, Pharrell to name a few) but now British retailer TOPSHOP has also teamed up with the cult brand on a collection of iconic ADIDAS ORIGINALS pieces.

This is the second time these two giants have teamed up to produce a capsule collection that is nothing but hot trendy.

The collaboration also celebrates 2 birthdays: 45 years of the legendary adidas Originals shoe and 50 years of British retailer Topshop. To mark both birthdays you will see a countdown-inspired “00:45:50” graphic strap along the back of the shoes and graphic tape on the clothing items.

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Meet ZPump Fusion – Reebok’s latest challenge unleashed to the activewear market which actually might be able to steal them some market share even if it is just because they totally look super cool!

ZPump is all about fit and performance. It takes the saying ‘If the shoe fits…’ to a whole new level. It uses ‘Pump technology’ to shape and mould the shoe around the foot to provide a ‘custom fit’. If the shoe fits, you will run like the wind in the cushiest of trainers.

ZPump Fusion comes in a variety of colours and it available online at reebok.co.ukand in shops at £85 a pair